Regular Meeting of the Common Council - January 8, 2025

The New Britain Common Council held its regular meeting on January 8, 2025, at 7:05 PM in Council Chambers. The meeting began with public participation at 7:00 PM, followed by a roll call, invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. The council approved a consent agenda, adopted ten resolutions, and referred petitions and a property agreement to committees. Key discussions focused on the Allen Street sewer project, development delays, and the John Downey Drive corridor improvements.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Frank Chase (24 Roxbury Road) urged the council to fund the Allen Street sewer project, noting it has been neglected for over 30 years. He stated that the city's 30% commitment ($4 million) would be lost if state bonding fails and asked for a backup emergency bonding plan. He emphasized that millions of dollars have been spent on other projects while the Allen Street issue persisted.
• John Kristapic (292 Linwich Street) questioned the delays in several development projects (the Brit, High Railer, The Strand) and criticized the city's spending priorities, including $1 million for the Beehive Trail and $1.681 million for new windows in City Hall, while the orange barriers remain around the Brit.
• Andrew Pope (87 Brighton Street) supported Frank Chase, describing his personal experience with sewer backups in his basement. He stated that many affected residents are embarrassed and unwilling to come forward, and urged the council to treat the issue as a non-partisan priority.
• Council Responses: Alderwoman Scott, Alderman Simpson, and President Santiago all expressed sympathy and commitment to the Allen Street project. They noted ongoing contact with state representatives (Manny Sanchez, Dave DeFranzo) and offered to meet with affected residents directly. The council acknowledged that the Allen Street project is a funding issue, not a design problem, and that citizen engagement has been crucial.

Consent Calendar

• Items A, B, C, D (Claims for injuries/property damage, Health and Building response to Oliveira Automotive parking complaints, Police Commission response to crosswalk request on Slater Road, Standing Claims Subcommittee settlement) were approved unanimously (14-0).

Discussion Items

• Petitions: Three petitions were introduced and referred to appropriate departments:
  1. Wayfinding signs for downtown parking – referred to Public Works.
  2. Feasibility study on municipal sustainable materials management and waste diversion – referred to Public Works.
  3. Traffic study on Sunrise Avenue for speed reduction and pedestrian safety – referred to Police Commission.
• Resolutions (Items 1-10): All adopted after discussion:
  1. Cervical Cancer Awareness Month – Recognized January 2025. Adopted.
  2. Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant – Budget appropriation for public safety initiatives. Adopted.
  3. Arts Grant Budget Amendment – $39,380 from CT DECD for arts grants, to be distributed by the New Britain Commission on the Arts. Adopted.
  4. Bebeline Trail Phase 2 – Contract with Gerber Construction for $999,925.47, funded by state/federal grants. Adopted.
  5. Fire Pump Controller – $51,888.72 for replacement and installation at Shuttle Meadow Water Treatment Plant. Adopted.
  6. Three Variable Speed Peristaltic Pumps – For Shuttle Meadow, to replace a failed pump and provide backups. Adopted.
  7. Five-Year Service Contract – $51,844 with Charles S. Cramer for UPS for the SCADA system. Adopted.
  8. John Downey Drive Corridor Improvements – Contract with Martin Leverio Contractors for $5,386,083.50, funded by municipal bonds, state grants, and federal contributions. Mark Moriarty (Public Works) answered questions: construction will start early spring 2025; the road will be narrowed from 48 feet to two lanes with trees and a multi-use trail to improve pedestrian safety and reduce speeding. The project does not address flooding issues, which are separate and larger-scale (involving West Hartford and Newington). Alderman Barbosa expressed concern about not addressing flooding simultaneously, but the council noted the flooding is a separate, multi-jurisdictional issue requiring significant federal funding. Adopted.
  9. CTDOT Active Transportation Microgrant – $5,000 for a biking instruction pilot program at Lincoln Elementary School, in partnership with Bike New Britain. Alderwoman Savedra noted it supports Vision Zero initiatives. Adopted.
  10. Purchase and Sale Agreement for 25 Gilbert Street – Originally referred to Maine and Chestnut LLC, but the council amended the title to correct the buyer to Michael F. Campbell (Campbell family). The resolution was then referred to the City Plan Commission and the Committee on Planning, Zoning, and Housing for further review. Adopted as amended.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda approved unanimously (14-0).
• All 10 resolutions adopted with no opposition (each passed by voice vote with all ayes).
• Petitions referred to departments as noted.
• Item 10 amended to correct the buyer name, then referred to committee.
• Meeting adjourned at 7:57 PM.